26.3

The waves send a stream of water up in to the tidal pools messing up the reflections of the colorful clouds in the shot but end up adding more than they took away. Two California Gulls watch as the sun sinks in to the vastness of the Pacific Ocean.

Originally we had planned to get something to eat and then rush back up to the Pigeon Point Lighthouse but as we drove north on Highway One, it was clear that, well it was clear. The clouds had all blown southward. I whipped the car around not knowing where I was going to end up. We had wanted to shoot Bonny Doon but it would be close on time. I spotted a parking lot and saw what looked like a trail down to the beach but we were pretty high above the ocean and I drove past. Then I had second thoughts, asked the wife and we whipped the car around and headed back north. We looked much like those seabirds darting back and forth on the beach trying to avoid waves.

We parked at the nameless parking lot and headed down the very steep trail. It was low tide and we were in luck. The sun had yet to set and we were on this stunning beach with any number of rocks that would add to the image. There were so many shots right at the bottom of the trial that it was hard to determine where to point the camera. We ran down one way, then up the other, then back down taking shots all the time. I kept shooting till it was dark and we headed back up the trial knowing we had some good shots. The walk back up was killer but we took time to sit and rest on the many benches along the cliff side trail, taking in the last bit of light.

I've often wondered if animals enjoy sunsets the way we humans do. During my scurrying to shoot the final light I noticed two California seagulls land on the distant rock and face the sunset. Or perhaps, just face in to the light breeze. Whether it was just to be more streamline or to watch the sun disappear into the sea I can't say but it seemed as perhaps they were taking
in the scenery much as my wife and I were.

© Darvin Atkeson
LiquidMoonlight.com